Locking Your Bicycle 101

You’d think that selecting a lock and using it to keep your bike safe would be a fairly basic thing, but there’s a lot more to it. The crew over at Kryptonite are taking it upon themselves to make sure that cyclists make informed decisions with their bike security, and we’re here to help push the message.

Depending on where you live, bike security can take on a whole new meaning. I recently met some people from England who had their high end bikes taken from their house in the middle of the night…while they were in bed. I many places, folks are having to resort to drastic methods, even going as far as installing a home security system to notify of any unwelcome intruders. While something like a Safemart home security system can easily deter a would-be bike burglar, sometimes it can be as simple as a good bike lock.

Making the Right Lock Choice

As you probably know, there are a lot of different options out there when it comes to selecting a lock. Chains, U-locks, cables, and a whole variety of combinations….but how do you select the option that is best for you and your cycling needs?

Kryptonite came up with this super helpful graphic that makes purchasing the right lock a piece of cake for any cyclist, no matter where you’re located and what the situation is:

Making informed decisions is a huge part of the bike security challenge. “Knowing is half the battle” – G.I. Joe

Kryptonite

So once you determine what level of security you need for your lock, you can head over to the Kryptonite website and browse the options based on the degree you need. The Kryptonite bicycle lock product page has a navigation panel on the left side with each of the various security categories.

I’m on a bike commute every day to a University campus, so I’m a solid 9-10. Furthermore, there’s no reason to get anything but a solid U-lock with a high anti-theft guarantee (for your rear wheel and frame) AND another lock to use (for your front wheel and frame).

Congratulations Steve, you were selected as the winner of our Kryptonite Integrated Mini Chain giveaway. Please send your mailing address to us at darryl@lovingthebike.com and we’ll get that out to you.

Since I ride in all sorts of places, I would be 9-10. I live in the ‘burbs and don’t usually leave my bike unattended for long, but I do want to start touring a bit and would have to leave the bike out overnight in more popular areas.

Because I lock my bike up overnight on my patio I need a 9-10, but because I had a bike stolen 2 years ago I’d never choose anything less than that anyways. The only silver lining is that 1 of the 2 locks on the stolen bike was a NY Noose and I like to think that it gave the theif fits as they tried to get it off.

I love my bikes far too much to ever consider my security need not the max! Being a regular commuting, a nice bike lock is important to me, and I don’t have a nice one right now! Hoping for a Christmas present!

Good info, about half of it I do, will have to remember the rest. I would say for me I require Moderate to High security. The bike is in the garage at home or hidden at work. But there are many times I stop for lunch / snacks while out and don’t properly lock up the bike. The minute it takes to lock it, is about what it would take for someone to take it.

My question is other than juice, can you suggest modifications in lieu of table sugar for energy and hydration.

Answer:

Both raw/organic honey or agave can work great in the homebrew (substitute in the same quantities for the sugar, or to taste), but you do have to shake well in order to make sure they don’t settle out. Have you tried either of these? Also, make sure to use at least the minimum amount of salt recommended in the homebrew as the temps rise, you need the sodium replacement if you’re sweating.